It is exciting to have the baby in arms. We cuddle, we play, we enjoy! And then comes the responsibility, the restlessness, and the things we are not able to understand, above all the varied reasons for crying. Crying is the only way a child can communicate about something missing or hurting. If the baby is well-fed, changed clothes, and still crying then stomach or abdominal discomfort is a big reason. A herbal remedy is there for the cure - Gripe water. This article suggests in detail about gripe water benefits, uses and gripe water side effects.
We are going to tell you the everything on gripe water you would want to know - what is gripe water, gripe water benefits, gripe water uses, and also the gripe water side effects. But before we continue, let us understand the varied reasons for colic or abdominal discomfort.
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What Causes Colic?
When a baby is out of the womb, it tries to adjust to the environment and surroundings. There is some kind of stress built while the infant is trying to adjust and that makes them cry endlessly. This cry causes colic – that’s a basic idea.
There are no perfect reasons for the causes of colic. Usually, when a baby is around 2 to 4 weeks, they began to suffer from some stomach discomfort and gas issues.
Colic though goes away on its own in 4 to 6 months generally, but a lot depends on the adjustments by the babies. Sometimes, changing hormones also cause stomach ache and crankiness.
The digestive system while growing with muscles often causes spasms and that could be a reason, the baby is crying for some time. A developing nervous system, fear, excitement, or some kinds of infection are also known as the reasons for colic in infants.
Sensitivity to breast milk, overeating, or not enough at times causes stomach discomfort. Whatever the basic reasons are, colic keeps the baby uncomfortable and cranky.
Gripe water is a herbal remedy to say bye-bye to colic and let the baby slide into a sound sleep. After all, colic relaxation gives peaceful sleep.
What is Gripe Water?
Gripe water is formulated with some same and some diverse contents by different companies. Some companies offer a few more added herbs to make it more effective- as they say.
The common herbs found in gripe water are- Fennel, ginger, chamomile, dill oil, and lemon balm. In a few bottles, licorice and cinnamon are also added. As stated by researchers some formula also contains alcohol or sugar. Few formulae may contain sodium bicarbonate too.
Get aware before buying the gripe water and make sure to read the contents on the package. Shop one that is specifically formulated for the babies.
Here are a few safe, and well-formulated gripe water available online. Check the ingredients before you are set to order.
1. Hamdard Naunehal Gripe Syrup
Pack of 2, 100 ml each
From the house of Hamdard, trusted for ages, the naunehal gripe water is an effective remedy for stomach discomfort. It aids to regulate the digestive system and provides relief in constipation or indigestion. This gripe water also relaxes in spasms, abdominal cramps, and teething-related disorders. The babies like the taste of delicious gripe water. It is a safe and trusted formula. Naunehal gripe water is a herbal remedy and can also relieve hiccups.
Key Features
- Quantity – 100 ml * 2 = 200 ml
- Blend of natural herbs
- Cumin
- Leemum
- Nutmeg
- Mint
- Fennel
- Sugar extracts
2. Herbroot Ayurvedic Gripe Water
Pack of 1, 150 ml
Herbroot Ayurvedic Gripe Water
Buy From AmazonThis gripe water is an alcohol-free herbal solution to provide instant relief in abdominal or stomach discomfort. It helps to relieve flatulence, vomiting, indigestion, and loss of appetite. The ingredients like dill oil give instant relief to acidity and reflux.
Key Features
- Quantity – 150 ml
- Flavour – herbal
- Age range – infant
- Made in India
- Dill oil
- Sarajjikhar
- Sugar extracts
3. Wheezal Baby Bliss Gripe Mixture
Pack of 3, 150 ml each
Wheezal Baby Bliss Gripe Mixture
Buy From AmazonThe Wheezal gripe water corrects the digestive problems and also helps to increase the appetite. It gives relief from indigestion, gastroenteritis, dysentery, and abdominal pain. The gripe water provides instant relaxation from colic and flatulence. Keep restlessness and whinging at bay with the gripe water.
Key Features
- Quantity – 150 ml * 3 = 450 ml
- Vegetarian
- Age range – kid
- Made in India
- Chemical-free
Gripe Water Benefits
Numerous parents swear by the use of gripe water for the babies. The ingredients like fennel, ginger, and dill can help relieve gas and relax stomach discomfort. One of the major gripe water benefits is that it is said to give relaxation while the baby is colicky.
Some formula of gripe water contains simethicone that tends to break the bubble in the digestive tract and help pass the gas.
And above all, few people do believe that the sweet taste of the gripe water soothes the baby.
Still, a green signal from the pediatrician is always good before trying anything new with the infant.
Gripe Water Uses
The sweet taste of the gripe water is liked by most of the babies and they do not spill it like they do with medicines. So, while giving the gripe water dosage, need not combine it with other liquids like formula or milk.
There are some genuine gripe water uses. The herbs in gripe water are herbal and known to relieve the abdominal and stomach discomfort. It relieves the digestive problems and helps release gases too.
The infantile reflux and hiccups can also be relaxed with a dosage of gripe water.
Sometimes, the gripe water is good during the teething phase as well and relaxes the pain during teething.
Always follow the instructions on the package before giving any kind of medication to the baby.
Gripe Water Dosage
The gripe water dosage must be done recommended by the doctor or mentioned on the individual pack.
| Age Group | Dosage |
|---|---|
| New borns - 0 to 1 month | 2.5 ml - 3 times a day (only if needed, though not recommended) |
| Infants - 1 to 6 months | 5 ml - 3 times a day |
| Infants - 6 to 12 months | 10 ml - 3 times a day |
| Toddlers - 1 year and up | 10 ml to 15 ml - 3 times a day |
Possible Side Effects of Gripe Water
The gripe water is not a medication but a supplement, hence is not verified by FDA. However, it is completely safe for infants and toddlers (consumed after reading the ingredients on the package) some potential risks could be like vomiting or constipation.
Not much of the side effects are shown yet a research in a journal shows that at times, gripe water increases the risk for exposure to harmful allergens or microbes like bacteria. Some babies have experienced hives, itching, or rashes after continuous use of gripe water.
Gripe water could be a reason for tooth decay before time, as it contains large amounts of sugar.
Fever, or fussiness, swelling on lips, change in breathing, or watery eyes possibly be some side effects of the gripe water.
Excessive crying and fussiness often cause distress for parents and the child as well. Though, the colic may improve by age of 3 to 4 months, giving some instant relief supplement could be a good option. Gripe Water is a trusted one since the times of our great grandparents and since then many parents swear for the use of the gripe water. But as we said earlier, do not make anything a habit for the baby.
Every baby is different, so are fussing problems, and so are remedies. Consult a doctor before going ahead with anything. Have a good sleep!
About The Author
Gauri Khandelwal
Gauri Khandelwal is an Administrative and Academic head with 11 years of experience at Kids Kingdom School, Ahmednagar. She is responsible for guiding other employees on Montessori and play-way teaching methods. This includes 8 multiple intelligences to let the toddlers and preschoolers learn better. She is also a content writer with 'The Candid Trails – Writing Service' and has written articles, blogs on sundry topics like parenting, fashion, gaming.
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